Powerful Combinations
Timothy Silas Tocci / MFA ID Portfolio 2011
46
Contents
Introduction
Tim Tocci
01 Dell Core ............................................................. 4
I’m a designer, an engineer, and a student—
Product Designer / Engineer / Student
03 Vouch .................................................................. 24
by the definition of my middle name Silas
www.poweredbysilas.com
02 Armadillo ........................................................... 16 04 Subterfuge ........................................................ 28 05 Water Lily .......................................................... 38
this powerful combination is encapsulated
meaning “three.” I have a passion for design
as the intersection of art, science, and people. All parts are integral and codependent,
and as such they require an equally holistic
approach that embraces aesthetics, emotion,
functionality, technology, context, and culture.
2
+1 781 572 1902 / tim@poweredbysilas.com
Process My process can be divided into three major
xt te n Co
phases: culture, concept, and creation. Within
Conict
the culture phase is the study of characters or
stakeholders for a given project, and like every
Exp lor at io n
good story, these characters are placed in a
context. Observing these characters in context through ethnographic research, patterns
emerge indicating a conflict, which in turn,
ation Ide
Chara cter s
yields design opportunities.
In the concept phase, design opportunities
are explored in a divergent process through ideation, and these concepts are validated
according to findings from the culture phase. Validated concepts are further refined and converge during the prototyping phase.
g etin ark M
Manufa c t u rin g
Engineering
ing yp ot ot Pr
Design
Valid atio n
Anthropology
During the creation phase, prototypes are
prepared for manufacturing by generating CAD models and control drawings,
applying materials, and applying Design for Manufacturing and Assembly techniques.
Throughout each phase, marketing strategy, manufacturing techniques, and user needs
are considered to ensure that final products
resonate with client, customer, and user needs.
3
01 Dell Core
4
Culture
Concept
Creation
The purpose of this project was to develop
After synthesizing our research into six
After conducting usability testing on
the next generation of students in higher
we realized the need for a holistic solution
models to fit ergonomic considerations.
computing devices for Dell targeted at
education. Ten weeks were spent gathering ethnographic research through interviews, cultural probes, surveys, and focus groups. Findings from these studies were refined
into design heuristics for personas, scenarios, and opportunities.
personas and associated design scenarios, encompassing the hardware, interface,
and service aspects of college computing. Focusing on the needs for increased
academic and social collaboration, we
designed the CORE brand and experience to resonate with stakeholder values.
laser-cut mockups, we refined our CAD
We constructed our prototypes using a
FDM machine. To demonstrate usage in
academic environments, we applied printed green screens with numbers for the various touch points and portrayed the interaction through a video.
5
Live, Work, Play Environments We decided to categorize the college environment according to the live,
work, play model. The live environment includes domestic activities and
extracurricular activities such as clubs. Work includes various study settings as well as employment. Play encompasses sports and entertainment.
6
Segment Mapping To develop our personas we categorized our
qualitative data using psychographic, demographic,
and lifestyle variables (i.e. creative vs. analytical) and mapped them on a spectrum.
7
SEAN
MARIA
AIMEE
CHRIS
FIONA
JEFF
Sean works hard to
Maria consistently
Aimee is studying
Chris is a talented
Fiona is a dreamer
J. Breezy likes to
He’s also organized
fellow sorority
She’s interested in
achiever with a full
lost in fantasy
He’s perpetually on
excel athletically.
because he needs to balance sports and
schoolwork with the rest of his life.
8
encourages her
sisters. She’s always there to share the newest gossip or offer solace.
physics at MIT.
intellectual books, fair trade coffee
shops, and long nature walks.
and ambitious
schedule. He plans on attending law
school and getting
involved in politics.
who often gets
worlds and enjoys exploring those
worlds through the arts and media.
relax and enjoy life.
vacation; he likes to
experience to college without worrying
about schoolwork.
Cultural Model To better comprehend the stakeholders involved in higher education networks, we mapped
user groups and their communication disconnects. We discovered an opportunity for Dell to provide a service plan that facilitates interoperability and sharing through a cloud platform.
9
Interaction Ideation During this phase of conceptualization, several form factors and interfaces were explored to improve student collaborative experiences
through NFC networking, syncopated video and note-taking, augmented reality for classrooms, and simplified scheduling.
10
11
User Experience Envisioning the experience from the end of high school until the beginning of college,
we identified crucial emotional touch points and correlating design opportunities which culminated in the concept of a welcome
pack. This pack would be co-branded with
the school and include a Dell tablet and smart phone preloaded with all of the necessary
documentation for orientation--housing, class scheduling, roommate selection, etc. 12
Everywhere, Everyday Our research and usability testing led us to
classify devices in three categories: everywhere products (i.e. smartphones), everyday products (i.e. tablets and laptops), and stationary
products (i.e. desktop computers). These
categorical distinctions helped us determine the various needs and corresponding features for end users.
13
Usability Testing To determine the appropriate scale and
assess the human factors considerations for each device, we conducted a series of tests
using printed keyboards and ink pads to track the typing accuracy of each participant.
14
Check out the video at http://bit.ly/e77rA0 15
02 Armadillo
16
Culture
Concept
Creation
Levolor presented our class with the persona
Inspired by natural armor plating, the
After a series of paper prototypes
woman with an annual income of $75,000+
of fabric covered plates that limit noise
was constructed from laser cut acrylic (0.09
other values, behaviors, and emotions of
dispersion. The parabolic contours of
of Natasha--35+ year old professional
and interests in home decor. Examining the Natasha, it became clear that opportunities existed to reassure with a sense of security, privacy, novelty, and efficiency.
Armadillo is a window covering composed impingement and improve interior acoustic the blinds reflect exterior noise while
deflecting interior noise to create a balanced atmosphere.
established the general form, the final model in). The acrylic was heat treated to achieve
the desired curvature. The final plates were then covered in a grey cotton fabric and
assembled in a mahogany frame. The final
model removes corded assemblies which in turn cuts cycle times.
17
Emotion Mapping To develop a list of design opportunities
and criteria for our persona, we investigated
emotions associated with using window blinds. We mapped these emotions to guide ideation.
18
Opportunities From our mapping three dominant
characteristics emerged. These were distilled into three opportunities which resulted in specific design criteria.
19
20
Ideation To remove the fear of purchasing the wrong size, an automated system is designed to capture window
measurements optically using a smartphone. Images are analyzed by an app which automates the manufacturing. Creating a personal connection with the product and developing brand loyalty is achieved with customized
packaging that can be reused at the end of the product life cycle to return old products to the Levolor for recycling. After examining the Armadillo form, it was determined that a track and roller setup could be substituted in lieu of
cords. Additionally, the locking mechanism uses a rack and pinion release with arms that lock in slots on the track similar to a garage door. The plates are held in formation by guide strings similar to a Roman shade.
21
22
Hero in a Half Shell Improving Natasha’s user experience through environment-enhancing acoustics and form,
the Armadillo also benefits Levolor by cutting manufacturing cycle times.
23
03 Vouch
24
Culture Have you ever gone to the store to
return something and lost the receipt? Chances are that makes retailers more
nervous than it makes you. In 2009 the National Retail Federation estimated that 1 in 13 returns were fraudulent,
resulting in losses of up to $14.8b. How do you mitigate these losses while
enhancing the customer’s experience? Concept There’s an app for that. Introducing
a mobile app that assists consumers
before, during, and after their shopping visits by facilitating shopping lists,
offering budgeting tools, and finally
recording receipts—all for free. Here’s the catch: shopping lists, budgets, and receipts are used to form analytics for consumer spending behavior. Creation Analytics are purchased by major
retailers, providing enhanced proximitybased metrics as well as operational
safeguards against fraudulent returns. This business-to-business marketing plan requires a two-tier strategy
appealing to both consumers and
retailers alike. Financial statements and
projections are also included in the plan. 25
Journey Map The following journey
map illustrates how Vouch
improves both the customer’s shopping experience and the retailer’s marketing analytics.
26
Paperless Trail Shopper’s and business travelers alike benefit from improved record keeping of electronic
receipts. Additionally, retailers cut receipt paper
supply costs and promote an eco-friendly image.
27
04 Subterfuge
28
Culture
Concept
Creation
To create a grassroots change, it helps to
Urban and suburban areas create turbulent
Our early prototypes failed due to their
way that dandelions disperse their seeds
design challenge led us to a vertical axis
remedy these problems we laser cut airfoil
have some pervasive weeds. In the same en masse we sought to develop a small
wind turbine that would diffuse rapidly in the most populated areas of the United
States, namely, the coasts. Using contextual research on the perception of wind power, we investigated concepts for small wind.
and inconsistent wind patterns, and this concept. A cowl was added to improve
the rotor spin speed by reducing the drag opposing the direction of rotation. To
appeal to a big box distribution model, the retail price point was targeted at
$1000--roughly that of a large appliance.
heavy weight and inconsistent airfoils. To ribs and spines from acrylic and cut the
number of spokes from 8 to 6. Our initial
lift-based design didn’t spin as fast as our shrouded drag design. Further iterations
would include a scoop or fin to rotate the shroud in the direction of the wind.
29
Ideation During the ideation phase a variety of horizontal axis and vertical axis turbines were explored.
Additionally, kite or blimp concepts were also considered as a means of removing possible
aesthetic intrusion by appealing to contextual forms. Within these categories we explored the benefits
and setbacks of lift-based systems and drag-based systems. Drag systems worked best for low start
up speeds, but they were incapable of attaining the same top speed as the lift systems. 30
31
Strong To maximize the strength-toweight ratio, we cut stringers and ribs from polycarbonate and acrylic.
32
+
Light Our first prototype used
ripstop nylon for the skin.
This proved tedious to wrap, but aluminum was heavy.
=
We have lift off. Research suggested that a symmetric airfoil was optimal for minimizing turbulence. To
determine the angle of attack, we built a foam core prototype and tested a range of angles.
Roof Scoop
Rotates side panels to
prevent degenerative drag
Composite Spokes
Maintain rigidity while minimizing weight
Delrin Ball Bearings
Promote minimal friction with natural lubricity
Wind Barriers
Painted aluminum
sheets direct wind to create positive drag
Steel Mast
Provides bolt holes for roof mounting
Staggered Magnets Extend magnetic field dispersion
Copper Armature Coils Conduct current from
moving magnetic field 33
01/ Foam Model
04/ Aluminum Rotors
Our first model used foam
Scaling our paper prototype, skinned
didn’t generate enough lift.
proved too heavy for small wind
rotors and acrylic spokes and
the rotors with aluminum. This model power generation.
02/ Paper Prototype
03/ Acrylic Ribs
We developed a foam core and
Employing aerostructure
angles of attack for the rotors.
a skeleton for the rotors
paper prototype to test various
techniques, we developed using polycarbonate
c-channels and acrylic ribs.
04/ Ripstop Rotors
05/ Foam-Acrylic Spokes
In an effort to cut weight we used
Employing strategies to develop a high
proved difficult to work with.
composite spokes from acrylic and foam.
ripstop nylon for the skin, but this
34
stiffness to weight ratio, we created
06/ Foam-Acrylic Spokes To cut weight, we used 3/16� foam
core and acrylic to inexpensively model the material properties of aluminum honeycomb sandwich sheets.
07/ Final Rotors + Spokes To strengthen the rotors we added stringers to prevent bending. We skinned the rotors
using a thin plastic sheet to cut weight. The
perforations accommodate magnets moving across the armature.
35
36
Subterfuge Power to the People
37
05 Water Lily
38
Culture
Concept
Creation
The brief for this human factors project asked
In an effort to alleviate the discomforts of
Field testing revealed that users were
anthropometric data, dynamic load testing,
“watering can� effect by gently curving
supplementary graphics were required to
us to design an improved garden tool using
and environmental factors. After conducting user research, we discovered that some
seniors feel fatigued while watering their plants. Additionally, some interviewees
mentioned stress from squeezing a trigger and tripping hazards from the hose itself.
watering, the Water Lily promotes a natural toward the base of plants, preventing over-
spray and facilitating a neutral wrist position. Additionally, the Water Lily benefits arthritic
gardeners by supplying soft grips and a twist valve in lieu of a squeeze trigger. It offers
multiple grips for different watering tasks.
satisfied with the design although
demonstrate the correct orientation. Users
suggested to keep the color yellow to make it distinguishable among plants and grass. Some users were so delighted with the
prototype that they asked if we could make a version for the shower.
39
Introduction
ring finger length
The first phase of this project entails gathering
01% 02% 50% 99%
anthropometric data relevant to the specific
tool, task, environment, and user. For the hose nozzle, physical user interaction is limited to the hand; therefore, several measurements
pertaining to the dimensions of my hand were recorded and compared with anthropometric data from the US (see Dreyfuss). All measure-
ments are taken with calipers in mm. The data are compared to data for the 1st, 50th, and
US ¦ 69 mm US ¦ 73 mm US ¦ 81 mm US ¦ 93 mm
middle finger length 01% US ¦ 74 mm 06% US ¦ 80 mm 50% US ¦ 88 mm 99% US ¦ 99 mm
Man and Woman: human factors in design. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. p 42.
index finger length
01% 16% 50% 99%
little finger length
01% 07% 50% 99%
source: Dreyfuss, Henry. The Measure of
US ¦ 51 mm US ¦ 55 mm US ¦ 61 mm US ¦ 71 mm
US ¦ 66 mm US ¦ 71 mm US ¦ 76 mm US ¦ 86 mm
index finger breadth
01% 46% 50% 99%
99th percentiles for men from the US. My dimensions are in green.
US ¦ 18 mm US ¦ 20 mm US ¦ 21 mm US ¦ 24 mm
thumb length
01% 43% 50% 99%
US ¦ 48 mm US ¦ 58 mm US ¦ 59 mm US ¦ 69 mm
thumb breadth
01% 23% 50% 99%
hand breadth
01% 50% 93% 99%
hand thickness 01% US ¦ 28mm 50% US ¦ 33 mm 93% US ¦ 37 mm 99% US ¦ 38 mm
hand thickness w/ thumb 01% 29% 50% 99%
40
US ¦ 51 mm US ¦ 60 mm US ¦ 62 mm US ¦ 72 mm
US ¦ 28mm US ¦ 33 mm US ¦ 37 mm US ¦ 38 mm
hand breadth across thumb
01% 07% 50% 99%
US ¦ 51 mm US ¦ 55 mm US ¦ 61 mm US ¦ 71 mm
US ¦ 14 mm US ¦ 22 mm US ¦ 23 mm US ¦ 32 mm
Grip Measurements
source: Pheasant, Stephen. Bodyspace: anthropometry,
To measure the maximum grip diameter, the hand is
ergonomics and the design of work. Boca Raton, FL:
placed around a cone and lowered until only the
Taylor Francis Group, 2006. pp 244, 249, and 254.
thumb and middle fingers touch (Pheasant 250). The maximum functional spread is taken by gripping a wooden wedge with the tip end segments of the thumb and ring fingers (250). My dimensions are in green.
05% 50% 66% 95%
maximum grip
US (est) ¦ 45 mm US (est) ¦ 52 mm US (est) ¦ 54 mm US (est) ¦ 59 mm
maximum spread
05% 47% 50% 95%
US (est) ¦ 112 mm US (est) ¦ 141 mm US (est) ¦ 142 mm US (est) ¦ 162 mm
Usage Sequence
Shown below are the typical exercises performed while using a standard garden hose nozzle. The diagrams depict (1) lifting the nozzle off the ground with a distributed load from the hose itself growing as it is lifted, (2) changing the elevation of the nozzle in the y direction, (3) changing the angle of the nozzle in the x-z plane (rotate about y-axis), (4) changing the rotation of the nozzle (rotate about the x axis) 3
2
1 a
4
erector spinae
gluteus maximus
trapezius
deltoid (medial)
c
biceps forearm flexors
hamstring
biceps
b metacarpal flexors
deltoid (posterior) biceps
deltoid (medial) triceps
d
forearm flexors
metacarpal flexors
latissimus forearm flexors dorsi (lats) metacarpal flexors
forearm flexors metacarpal flexors
41
42
Ideation Using our findings from the anthropometric data,
usage studies, and competitive product research, we generated several ideas for ergonomic hose nozzles suited specifically for seniors’ needs.
Specific design opportunities related to fatigue, grip strength, as well as wrist and back angle. The Water Lily (above center) supports a neutral wrist position and accommodates multiple watering tasks.
43
44
45
Tim Tocci Product Designer / Engineer / Student +1 781 572 1902 / tim@poweredbysilas.com www.poweredbysilas.com
47